HM Revenue & Customs released findings from research on the tax advantaged “EMI” share option schemes, earlier this month (more details are available at http://www.hmrc.gov.uk/research/report41-summary.pdf).

The research followed discussions with employers and employees where EMI schemes have been introduced and it is no great surprise that the majority of people questioned were aware of some of the benefits of offering EMI options to key employees. Or that nearly all of them regarded EMI options as a key element in keeping their most valuable employees.

Even with the proposed abolition of taper relief, EMI options remain an important means of recruiting, rewarding and retaining key members of staff. We have spoken with a number of new clients who, with the benefit of hindsight, would have offered senior staff the opportunity of a relatively small stake in their companies but who had lost those employees – and with them a substantial part of their business.

If you could be in a similar position and your company is one for which EMI might be possible, EMI share options are well worth considering. Please contact us to discuss whether they might be the right option for you.

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